Archaeology and Economic Development 2012

Archaeological World Heritage as a Non-Renewable Resource: Threats from the Laissez faire World of Tourism

The road from developing to developed country is
a long one, and the route is seen almost universally as one that connects
emerging states with global economies. Tourism is presented as a shortcut;
advocates argue that jobs are quickly created for those with little education
or training. Associated massive infrastructure development is attractive to
lending and development institutions as well as international architectural,
engineering, and construction companies. In developing states, however,
sovereignty issues often preclude effective management of archaeological
tourism destinations, so that historic and scientific values are destroyed and
economic benefits accrue largely to international organisations